I've found out my husband has been cheating. I'm at stay at home mum of 2 children both with medical conditions. I'm also 1/2 through a pregnancy with number 3. I'm really not sure what I'm doing yet but I need to explore my options. At the moment work isn't an option, I won't be able to go back to my previous career because the commitment doesn't work with my children's needs. As I've been a SAHM for quite some years I actually don't have any income of my own. I get carers allowance but children are not eligible for carers payment. I have a small amount of money available to me but not a lot. Could probably get enough for a bond. Not really sure how to go about it and what I'll be eligible for. So devastated, I've spent most of my adult life avoiding going back to Centrelink and living in housing, we've worked really hard to get here. Staying in this house isn't an option, there's no way I could afford the rent.
7 Replies
Have you run a calculator to see what you will get? Payment and ftb a and ftb b. Its a fair amount. Definitely enough to live on.
You may be able to work because when you share care there will be days he has them which could make it possible.
You don't say how old your kids are. You should look at Parenting Payment Single, family tax benefits. Also look at wether your kids qualify for carer payment in a combined sense. If you have two or more children who's needs make one severe illness/disability then you can qualify.
Most states have bond loan schemes. In South Australia that's through HoisingSA.
You could also look into NRAS housing
The kids are 1 and 5. Shared care isn't an option at the moment. Hubby is FIFO and currently can't/won't meet the kids needs. He is good for a few hours and by no means am I denying access, just can't risk leaving them for an extended period and definitely not overnight. The cheapest rentals I can find here are around $300 a week for a unit.
I have same age kids and pay 350. Not much extra but Its good i cant complain.
Have you looked at rent assistance rates.
I was paying $340 and it was definitely doable.
If he's done the dirty, then I'd be telling him to leave the family home! Why should you uproot the kids when he is the one in the wrong?
You can be separated under the same roof while you organise for rental assistance etc. There are a few things you need to do, nothing too difficult. Go to Centrelink and ask to speak to a social worker. They can walk you through everything.
Remember, you have worked and paid taxes. You have done the right thing. This is where Centrelink is supposed to help - in times of need while you get back on your feet.
Make an appt to speak to Centrlink social worker.
Call child support agency and they'll advise child support rates based on his income and care arrangement (which sounds like 100% you) Even at an 80/20 split you'll still get full FTB payments.
Enquire about Carers payment, as I receive it because of caring for 2 kids with special needs. But possibly the criteria has tightened up, as seems to be the Centrelink way.
As a single mum of teenagers on a Carers pension, I was paying $380/wk quite comfortably with $100/wk child support. I then moved, paid $420/wk with no child support (ex was unemployed) and that was tough. Thankfully I have helpful family members, I'm good at budgeting and I buy n sell on local fb sites